Arthritis is a medical condition marked by the swelling and tenderness of one or several joints, resulting in joint stiffness, pain, and the loss of mobility. The symptoms of arthritis usually worsen with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis, but arthritis can also be caused by underlying diseases, infections, gout, and other factors. Dr. Anup Patel always assesses the root cause of arthritis to curate a personalized treatment plan.
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis caused by the normal wear and tear of joints. The cartilage is a firm and flexible cognitive tissue that protects joints from excess shock and pressure from movements. Over time, as the cartilage tissues are worn down, you develop osteoarthritis, which can be exacerbated by injuries and infections.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that propels the body’s immune system to attack your natural tissues, leading to an inflammation of the joints and cartilage. The inflammation of the joints affects the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints, leading to symptoms of arthritis in the joints.
Gout
When there’s excess uric acid in the blood, your body develops urate crystals that accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and painful gout attacks.
Other Types of Arthritis:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Septic arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
Symptoms of Arthritis:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Clicking and popping sounds
- Muscle weakness around joints
- Instability
- Bone growths around the joints
- Grating and scraping sensations
- Other symptoms based on the type of arthritis
Possible Causes of Arthritis:
- Overuse injuries of the joint
- Wear and tear of the joint
- Aging (the risk of osteoarthritis is high amongst adults over 50)
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetic predisposition
- Family history
- Muscle weakness
How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
Dr. Patel conducts a thorough evaluation to diagnose the root cause of arthritis before curating a treatment plan. He will ask about your symptoms, learn how joint pain affects your life, and conduct a thorough physical examination, which may include an assessment of your range of motion, checking for tenderness, and more. He may also recommend X-rays, MRI scans, and ultrasounds to identify bone fractures, soft tissue inflammation, cartilage breakdowns, and other factors responsible for arthritis.
Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment in Edison
After diagnosing the true root cause of arthritis, Dr. Patel curates a personalized non-surgical treatment plan. Conservative treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections that alleviate inflammation of the joints. Depending on the location of the affected joints, the physician may also use a method called viscosupplementation to lubricate the joints and help them move smoothly. Edison Spine & Pain Management only provides non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments for arthritis.
Schedule an Appointment
Edison Spine & Pain Management is a state-of-the-art interventional pain management practice led by a board-certified physician and pain specialist. When you consult Dr. Patel, you can expect a thorough evaluation of the root cause of your arthritic symptoms, followed by a conservative and minimally invasive treatment plan. We aim to liberate you from pain without relying on addictive opioids. Please schedule an appointment to explore your arthritis treatment options in Edison.
